What’s the Difference Between Groundhog and Beavers?
Without a clear view of their tails, it can be difficult to distinguish whether a pest is a groundhog or a beaver. Beavers have wide, flattened tails, while groundhogs have short, fluffy ones. However, there are plenty of other ways to tell them apart:
- Size – Groundhogs typically weigh about 3 kg, while beavers, North America’s largest native rodent, can weigh up to 32kg. The world’s largest rodent is the capybara.
- Damage – Groundhog digging results in more pest control calls than any other burrowing mammal in Canada. On the other hand, beavers are semi-aquatic, preferring to swim and build their dams across streams and rivers.
Groundhog & Beaver Damage
When it comes to Groundhogs vs. Beavers, neither are a welcome sight to most property owners. Both pests graze on vegetation and garden plants, eating up homeowners’ hard work and substantial landscape investments.
While groundhogs dig unsightly holes that pose a tripping hazard, beavers take lawn destruction one step further. Chewing through an average of 216 trees each year, a single beaver can fell trees up to 40cm in diameter to build lodges and dam bodies of water. This, in turn, may lead to falling tree damage or flooding.
Removing Groundhogs vs. Beavers
Both pests create important habitats for other kinds of wildlife with their burrowing and engineering feats. However, these behaviours are not acceptable when they put people at risk.
Humane prevention and removal tactics can discourage them from taking up residence in yards. In addition to fencing gardens and circling trees or culverts with chicken wire, traps and snares are available to catch the pests and remove them safely.
For a custom wildlife control plan, rely on the trained wildlife professionals at Orkin Canada.
You may also like
When Do Squirrels Have Babies?
Grey squirrels have two breeding periods per year, one in mid-summer and another in early spring.
What Diseases Can Squirrels Transmit To Humans?
Squirrels are known to carry numerous diseases, though only a few are dangerous to humans.
Are Rabbit Droppings Harmful To Humans?
Rabbits produce two different types of solid waste, but only one is commonly seen outside of a nest.
What Do Groundhogs Eat?
Ever wonder “What do groundhogs eat?” Knowing what they eat can help with control and prevention. Read on to learn about common groundhog feeding habits.
Remove pests from your home, and stop them from coming back
We work hard to listen, understand and assess your unique situation. Request a free, no-obligation estimate today for a customized pest program that fits your needs.
Request a Free Home EstimateRequest a Free Business Consultation